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Grammar Notes for lesson 15

在 zài  used in a resultative verb phrase

在 zài can be used as a verb or co-verb. It can also be placed after a verb of action to form a resultative verb phrase, so that the action has a direct effect on the object. For instance, in 放 在 桌 上 fàng zài zhuō shàng to put (it) on the table, the item is on the table as a result of the action to put. However, in 在 中 国 学 习 zài Zhōngguó xuéxí to study in China the action to study does not have a direct effect on China, meaning that 在 中 国 zài Zhōngguó to be in China is a co-verb clause which gives the background to an action and/or indicates the sequence of action.